Blackletter

Join Tom Dunlap as he explores the significant Supreme Court case, Smith v. Spizzirri, which examines a crucial legal question: the diverging approaches of circuit courts toward the dismissal or stay of lawsuits during arbitration. This case stands at the crossroads of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), challenging current arbitration practices and potentially reshaping the future of business litigation in the U.S. Dunlap breaks down the concept of arbitration, its role in resolving disputes outside traditional courtrooms, and its benefits for privacy, efficiency, and control over the legal process. With a spotlight on key arbitration institutions such as the American Arbitration Association (AAA), Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), this episode is a deep dive into the implications of arbitration clauses in contracts and the impact of the upcoming Supreme Court decision on businesses, legal practitioners, and the broader system of dispute resolution. Whether you're a legal professional, involved in business, or simply interested in the dynamics of arbitration, this episode offers valuable insights into a critical legal development.

To kick off season 11 of The Blackletter Podcast, Tom Dunlap is joined by special guest Sharon Heaton, the president, founder, and CEO of sbLiftOff. Together, Tom, Sharon, and Wright Lewis, a partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, discuss how sbLiftOff helps entrepreneurs grow and enhance their businesses for successful sales and elevated wealth.

In this first segment of the interview, Sharon shares her motivation for starting her passion project, sbLiftOff. She also discusses the science and the emotions behind business sale, which is a key theme of her book, "LIFT OFF: 12 Things to Know Before You Sell Your Company." Upon realizing the emotional commitment of founder-owned businesses, Sharon learned the importance of tactful entrepreneurship, informed risk-taking, and thorough valuation in the mid-market. In creating sbLiftOff, Sharon aimed to help middle-market businesses with valuation and sales by sharing insights from her company experiences and valuation strategies.

Tune in to this episode to hear Sharon's advice on planning for business growth and avoiding common mistakes that can reduce a company's value. And remember to check back for the next episode of The Blackletter Podcast, where Sharon will be sharing more knowledge from her book and explaining more about the value that sbLiftOff offers to its clients.

The Blackletter Podcast is a podcast for CEOs, Corporate Counsel, & Entrepreneurs. Each episode explores topics regarding business and law. Join host Tom Dunlap as he speaks with special guests and thought leaders across various professional fields. Their discussions during the interview focus around timely information, insights they’ve gained, and lessons they’ve learned through their experiences.

Follow us on YouTube!

Don’t have a disciplined attention span? Or just want to keep up with brief in-the-news topics and bits of information? The Blackletter Podcast also does short weekly episodes that are only minutes long, called Monday Morning Minutes!

Do you think you or someone you know would be a great guest on The Blackletter Podcast? We often feature thought leaders, clients, and other business owners discussing their experiences and how business and the law intersect. If so, fill out a contact form here!

In this episode, host Tom Dunlap delves into the pivotal changes and exciting opportunities surrounding H-1B visas in 2024. Whether you're an employer in the tech or biotech industries, or simply curious about the complexities of immigration law, this podcast is a must-listen. Tom discusses the US State Department's groundbreaking pilot program, launched on January 29th, 2024, which significantly alters the H-1B visa renewal process for the first time in two decades. He explains the shift from the previous policy, its implications for workers from India and Canada, and the potential expansion of the program. Additionally, Tom breaks down the basics of H-1B visas, including eligibility, employer responsibilities, and the lottery system. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Tom and stay informed about the latest developments in H-1B visa regulations.

In 2023, The Blackletter Podcast host Tom Dunlap held many enlightening interviews in his mission to demystify law and business principles. As guests shared their insights, they each concluded their interviews by providing their top takeaways regarding the key foundations of business and law. On this special 2023 recap episode, we have gathered the fundamental elements of advice shared by each guest throughout the year's fascinating conversations. Listen in to gain real expert advice on the principles of law, business, and life.

Career success through planning, persistence, and patience.

Marc Fava, an attorney who works as an ombudsman and Vice President for Boeing Corporation, discussed how planning, persistence, and patience can help people achieve success in their careers. Mark shares examples of these elements within his own life, including how purposeful planning, persistence, and patience led to him getting work from American Airlines two years after his initial rejection.

Career advice, compliance, and having fun in the workplace.

Mark Nichols, the Chief Counsel for the Federal Aviation Administration, discussed the knowledge that he gained throughout his career to mentor and how he uses it to advise and lead other veterans and attorneys. Nichols advises young professionals to think about their careers in five-year increments and pursue relevant experience to be competitive in their industry.

Reaching out for help to achieve business success.

Jennifer Morris, a former attorney for the CIA with law experience inside the government and businesses, discusses the importance of reaching out for help to achieve business success and shares how small businesses can seek help from organizations like the Small Business Administration and consultants to address compliance issues.

Business success factors, risk management, and leadership.

Tracy Pilone enlightens listeners on how her company, Element 84, leverages innovative strategies in satellite data, allowing for transformative business practices. Throughout this, she covers principles like risk balancing and risk management. She also provides her key advice and insights for managing teams, highlighting the importance of being cognizant of risk tolerance levels and planning accordingly.

Leadership, planning, and resource management for a nonprofit organization. 

In this segment, former Army officer Gordon Sumner discussed the changes he had to make to succeed with his nonprofit organization, Veterans Moving Forward. Gordon emphasizes the importance of buy-in, flexibility, and resource allocation in organizational planning. He discusses how team input can be a valuable resource for leaders and emphasizes the importance of seeking input from team members while still maintaining a clear decision-making process.

Entrepreneurship, execution, and goodwill.

Aleko Bravo Greenberg shares how his entrepreneurial experiences offered lessons about starting a successful business, including the importance of innovative strategies, transformative decisions, and execution to getting things done rather than perfecting a product. He and Tom go on to share their thoughts on the value of goodwill and maintaining connections with people who want to see you succeed, both within and outside of the company.

Building and leveraging a professional network.

Jason Levin, founder of Ready, Set, Launch, advises listeners on ways to achieve their business pursuits by discussing concepts from his book, "Relationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in Touch." Covered themes include gratitude practices, people's "Bermuda keep in touch Triangles," and commonality. While people often struggle with reaching out to old friends due to fear of rejection or guilt, Levin provides insight into breaking through these barriers. He identifies guilt, fear, and worry as the three foundational motions that can hinder maintaining relationships.

The Blackletter Podcast will be returning shortly Season 11. Until then, you can check out season 10's episodes available online at https://www.dbllawyers.com/podcasts-seasons/

The Blackletter Podcast is a podcast for CEOs, Corporate Counsel, & Entrepreneurs. Each episode explores topics regarding business and law. Join host Tom Dunlap as he speaks with special guests and thought leaders across various professional fields. Their discussions during the interview focus around timely information, insights they’ve gained, and lessons they’ve learned through their experiences.

Follow us on YouTube!

Don’t have a disciplined attention span? Or just want to keep up with brief in-the-news topics and bits of information? The Blackletter Podcast also does short weekly episodes that are only minutes long, called Monday Morning Minutes!

Do you think you or someone you know would be a great guest on The Blackletter Podcast? We often feature thought leaders, clients, and other business owners discussing their experiences and how business and the law intersect. If so, fill out a contact form here!

In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap delves into the intricacies of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a groundbreaking law enacted by the U.S. Department's Treasury Financial Crimes and Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Discover why the CTA is a game-changer for companies of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations, as it mandates the disclosure of detailed information about beneficial owners. Tom breaks down the criteria for reporting companies and the exemptions available, shedding light on how this legislation impacts businesses formed under U.S. law, both domestic and foreign. Learn about the reporting requirements, key deadlines, and the comprehensive information that must be submitted to FinCEN. Whether you're a business owner, lawyer, or accountant, this episode is a must-listen to ensure compliance with the CTA and stay ahead of the regulatory curve. Share this valuable information with fellow entrepreneurs, and start your week informed and prepared.

Gear up for another riveting episode of the Blackletter Podcast's Monday Morning Minute with your host, Tom Dunlap. This time, we're peeling back the layers of mystery around the practice of sealing and unsealing legal documents. Dive into the captivating legal maze to unravel why judges seal documents, and the conditions that lead to their unsealing.

Our journey takes a thrilling turn as we discuss the recent lawsuit involving Jeffrey Epstein, a case that has left the nation in awe and intrigue. We'll shed light on the motives behind document sealing, which range from shielding personal details, safeguarding trade secrets, to preserving the sanctity of ongoing investigations and even ensuring safety in criminal proceedings.

Join our exploration as we dissect how documents are sealed, the potent role public interest plays, and the moments when sealed documents see the light of day. Don't miss this insightful discussion on a crucial aspect of our legal system. Subscribe to the Blackletter Podcast for more thought-provoking content every week!

On season 10 of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap was joined by a range of fascinating guests to demystify business and law. Each guest brought their personal experiences and professional expertise to the table as they discussed the complex facets surrounding business and law.

On this episode, listeners get to revisit some of the noteworthy subjects covered throughout the season's conversations. Tune in to this episode to hear profound insights on law and business from some of the top professionals in the game!

Introducing Innovation and Transformation

• Episode 8 (Tracy Pilone - Element 84's Open Science and Open Data): In episode 8, guest speaker and business leader Tracy Pilone reveals how her company, Element 84, leverages innovative strategies in satellite data, allowing for transformative business practices.
• Episode 10 (Aleco Bravo-Greenberg - Transforming a Breeding Farm): Business owner Aleco Bravo Greenberg shares a story that illustrates a unique business transformation and shows a unique aspect of innovative decision-making.

Strategic Shifts and Decisions

• Episode 2 (Anthony Brown - Transition to Patent Monetization): This revealing episode focused on guest speaker Anthony Brown's career shift and highlighted the personal aspect of transformative decisions in the realm of intellectual property.
• Episode 1 (Jennifer Morris - Compliance and Cybersecurity in Government Contracts): Cybersecurity law expert Jennifer Morris shares her approach to complex regulatory environments in government contracts and emphasizes strategic innovation in a highly specialized field.

Personal Journeys and Professional Transformations

• Episode 5 (Dubs Herschlip - Personal Experience with Estate Planning): This segment adds a personal touch to the theme of season 10, as guest Dubs Herschlip shares his story and shows how personal experiences can lead to professional transformation.
• Episode 11 (Aleco Bravo Greenberg - Entrepreneurial Journey): Revisiting episode 11, Aleco shares how his entrepreneurial experiences offered lessons about the importance of innovative strategies and transformative decisions for starting and growing a business.

Practical Applications and Strategic Advice

• Episode 6 (Dubs Herschlip - Estate Planning Decision-Making): Tom and Dubs Herschlip share an enlightening conversation focused on practical applications of innovative strategies in estate planning, and Dubs offers viewers valuable advice.
• Episode 4 (Anthony Brown - Patent Homework and Understanding): Concluding the episode, this segment from season 10, episode 4 circles highlights the importance of informed decision-making in intellectual property.

The Blackletter Podcast will be returning in 2024 with Season 11. Until then, you can check out season 10's episodes available online at https://www.dbllawyers.com/podcasts-seasons/

The Blackletter Podcast is a podcast for CEOs, Corporate Counsel, & Entrepreneurs. Each episode explores topics regarding business and law. Join host Tom Dunlap as he speaks with special guests and thought leaders across various professional fields. Their discussions during the interview focus around timely information, insights they’ve gained, and lessons they’ve learned through their experiences.

Follow us on YouTube!

Don’t have a disciplined attention span? Or just want to keep up with brief in-the-news topics and bits of information? The Blackletter Podcast also does short weekly episodes that are only minutes long, called Monday Morning Minutes!

Do you think you or someone you know would be a great guest on The Blackletter Podcast? We often feature thought leaders, clients, and other business owners discussing their experiences and how business and the law intersect. If so, fill out a contact form here!

Join Tom Dunlap in this insightful episode as we delve into the intricate world of antitrust laws. This week, Tom breaks down the recently released 51-page guideline document by the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department. With a blend of historical context and contemporary examples, he explains the role of antitrust laws as the 'referees' of the business arena, ensuring fair play and competition. The episode takes a critical look at recent actions by the FTC and the Justice Department, particularly concerning market dominance and conflicts of interest in big tech acquisitions, using Amazon's acquisition of Ring as a case study.

Tune in for a comprehensive and accessible breakdown of antitrust laws and their impact on business practices. Whether you're a business professional, a student, or simply curious about the dynamics of market competition, this episode offers valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of antitrust enforcement.

Join host Tom Dunlap in this insightful episode where he explores the legalities of workplace monitoring and privacy. Delving into the foundational Katz case, Tom explains the nuances of federal and state laws, including the one-party and two-party consent rules for audio recordings. He discusses the intricacies of monitoring methods such as emails, phone calls, and camera surveillance, emphasizing compliance with the Americans with Disability Act and the National Labor Relations Act. Tom offers practical advice for businesses on forming clear monitoring policies and obtaining employee consent, alongside real-world case studies like Ontario vs. Quon. This episode is a concise guide for understanding and navigating the complex world of employer-employee privacy and monitoring laws.

Blackletter Podcast is back once more to demystify law and business, with special guest Aleco Bravo-Greenberg sharing his unique stories. Tune in to hear host Tom Dunlap get the inside scoop from Aleco on his top business ventures, including his recent involvement with Soldier Fuel energy bars!

Today, Soldier Fuel energy bars are sold to military and government agencies worldwide, but this wasn't always the case. Check out the show to hear Aleco talk about the challengess the company overcame to roll out energy bars for soldiers, eventually shifting focus to larger contracts. Aleco discusses product development, networking, and entrepreneurship throughout the episode, sharing his advice for listeners to follow if they, too, want to take their company from a small dream to a national success.

Tune in to hear more of Aleco's interview, and remember to check back to episode 12 to learn more about law and business on the Blackletter Podcast.

The Blackletter Podcast is a podcast for CEOs, Corporate Counsel, & Entrepreneurs. Each episode explores topics regarding business and law. Join host Tom Dunlap as he speaks with special guests and thought leaders across various professional fields. Their discussions during the interview focus around timely information, insights they’ve gained, and lessons they’ve learned through their experiences.

Follow us on YouTube!

Don’t have a disciplined attention span? Or just want to keep up with brief in-the-news topics and bits of information? The Blackletter Podcast also does short weekly episodes that are only minutes long, called Monday Morning Minutes!

Do you think you or someone you know would be a great guest on The Blackletter Podcast? We often feature thought leaders, clients, and other business owners discussing their experiences and how business and the law intersect. If so, fill out a contact form here!